Enhanced Shape Memory Poly(Aryl Ether Ketone) Composite Actuators With Light/Electric Synergistic-Triggered Deformations

Herein, we report light/electric synergistic-triggered shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) composite actuators with enhanced shape memory behaviors that are able to fulfill the shape deformation process for various application opportunities. Composite actuators exhibit great shape memory behaviors with a high shape recovery ratio (95.1%–99.2%) and fixity ratio (over 96%). Besides, we construct light/electric synergistic-triggered shape memory behaviors, which are achieved through the prior softening of molecular chains by irradiating firstly, and then triggered by applied voltage. The shape recovery ratio of these light/electric synergistic-triggered shape memory effect (SME) reaches up to 89.6%, which is higher than the electric-triggered SME of 75.1%, indicating enhanced shape memory behaviors. As a comparison, we construct light/electric synchronous-triggered shape memory behaviors, and the recovery ratio is 85.8%. Due to the enhanced shape memory behaviors, these light/electric synergistic-triggered shape memory composite actuators fulfill the shape deformation process for various application opportunities.